What to Look For in a Double Stroller
The best double stroller s are designed to grow with your family. They include thoughtful features that keep children content and comfortable. This includes adjustable foot rests as well as an easy ride on gravel, trails and old sidewalks.
Kerry was pleased the fact that the stroller was delivered in multiple boxes, but everything was labeled well and was easy to open. She also loved that the stroller can be used with two infant car seats and can be used with a riding board for older kids.
Seating Options
When it is double strollers, seating options are what determines the success or failure of the purchase of many families. You'll need to take into consideration the age of your children, the relative sizes and seating configurations you prefer.
For instance, if you have children of similar age who will sit side-by-side, you should consider a tandem model that comes with child seats attached to one another and does not require car seat adapters, according to Alli Cavasino an editor in the senior position at Consumer Reports. They are generally larger than other types of double strollers,, so they may not fit into standard door frames within your home.
If you're experiencing an age gap between your kids, consider a dual-seat stroller that has the option to transform into a stand-and-ride model that has a platform or small bench seat in the back for a child who likes to just ride with or observe their sibling. These strollers are capable of accommodating infant car seats when needed, and are good for children who will be 3 to 5 years apart.
You'll also want to look at the type of seat material, says Billingsley. Some are more breathable than others, and are easier to keep clean. You should also think about how easy it will be to fold down the stroller for storage purposes or transporting it to and from your car. "Nothing is more frustrating than buying your dream stroller, but you realize it's too heavy for you to lift or too big for your trunk," she says.
If you're looking for a low-cost option that has various seating options, check out this award-winning model from Summer Infant that comes with two toddler seats with a bassinet attachment. It could be expanded to make a triple stroller with an additional seat or riding board. The seats recline and the control of the calf bar can be adjusted independently. This is great when one child needs to rest while another wants to explore their surroundings. When folded, the seat is small and easily fits into most trunks.
Age Ranges
Sit-and-stand strollers are the best option for families with children who are similar in age. They offer convenience and comfort. These strollers have a seat in front for an infant or toddler and a bench, platform or other surface at the rear that lets older children stand up and walk on/off. These strollers are ideal for toddlers and older children, but not for babies or children who do have the coordination or balance to stand on their own.
A narrow tandem stroller lets you to keep both children in sight all at once, and it can fit through tight spaces like aisles in the grocery store or for family photos in the parks. These models are smaller and more maneuverable than double strollers with side-by-side seating however they don't have as much storage space under the carriage, and they're not able to fit an infant car seat.
If you're planning to use a double stroller over a period of several years or even over a decade, it's worth buying one that will grow with your children. Double strollers are more expensive than single ones however, if you select them correctly, you can save money in the end.
Our testers took each stroller through a series maneuverability tests and off road adventures. They found them easy to navigate on various terrains. However, if you're planning to be using it in cities or other urban zones where sidewalks and traffic are prone to bumps You might need something more sturdy and durable that can handle the rough treatment.
Double strollers are designed to last, however the seats could be worn out earlier than you think or your kids may outgrow them before they're ready to retire. If you're on a tight budget, choose one with a rating of at least four years. It should last as long as possible.
Easy of Use
It's crucial to ensure that the double stroller is easy to use by both children. This means that the harnesses must be comfortable for children sitting and the handles must be a breeze to hold for toddlers. The stroller can also be easily rolled around and maneuvered around obstacles and in tight spaces. In fact the top strollers in our Lab tests--such as the BOB Revolution Flex Duallie and Thule Urban Glide 2 Double--are among the most comfortable to push.
It's also essential that a double stroller is easy to fold and to store. The most efficient models fold in one or two steps and are compact enough to fit in most trunks. It's a plus when you can include a second chair or a ride-along to the stroller. Some strollers can accommodate infant car seats, meaning you don't need to wake your baby to move them into the stroller when it's time to leave for home.
Furthermore, a quality double stroller needs to be sturdy to be able to be used on a variety of terrain. For instance, some strollers can be converted into an jogging stroller that has an adapted front wheel and some are able to be used as an umbrella stroller. Some strollers come with a bag that can be tacked to the back of the vehicle to carry shopping bags and groceries.
Another thing to consider is whether you'd like an oversized stroller that can be used side-by-side or as a tandem. Side-by-side models are usually wider than tandems and can be difficult to maneuver through tight spaces such as the aisles of doors or grocery stores. They are useful because they allow both children to view the same scene. They can also be more easy to navigate in rough weather as they provide greater coverage from the elements for both children.
Many parents opt to buy an adaptable single-to-double stroller, so they can use it with a baby and then later switch to a regular double once their children are older. After talking with parents, it became apparent that it is better to purchase the items you require now rather instead of trying to predict what you might require in the near-term.
Storage
If you're shopping for a double stroller, you may want to consider the size and quantity of storage space. Many models have large, easy-to-access baskets that can store plenty of stuff. They also typically have several cup holders for parents as well as convertible seating arrangements that provide the best legroom available for children. Some of these features may make the price more expensive so make sure you go through the reviews and descriptions carefully.
Most double strollers are classified as tandem or side by side designs. Tandem strollers have two seats assembled on the same frame and are typically more suitable for older babies who have already learned sitting on their own. They also typically have a much larger storage basket than side-byside models, however they can be a bit difficult or awkward to push when the front seat is reclined fully.
The side-by-side stroller comes with two separate seats that are placed side-by-side. They're typically more suitable for infants or toddlers, who aren't yet comfortable with sitting independently. They also have the added benefit of being generally easier to maneuver and push than tandem strollers. They can be more expensive and come with smaller baskets.
There are also double strollers designed specifically for jogging or biking. They are generally more expensive than all-terrain strollers. They also come with fixed front wheels, which limit their flexibility. These strollers are worth considering if you intend to use them for these kinds of activities.
There's a double stroller for every situation regardless of whether you're purchasing one for twins or a child that's not quite ready to ride on their own or not yet old enough to be a proper rider. The top options we've found in our tests are affluent, stable, and easy to maneuver and have seating that grows as your children get older. So whether you're looking for a tandem stroller or one that will accommodate your infant car seat, take a look at our top picks to find the right double stroller for your family.